Noise barrier

Abstract

A panel is provided for use in a sound absorbing wall structure. The panel includes a front of wood based material having perforations, a back parallel with the front and separated from the front. Sound absorbing material is positioned in engagement with the front within the space covering the perforations so that the panel absorbs sound directed at the perforated front of the panel by absorption in the material of the front as well as in the sound absorbing material.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A panel for use in a sound absorbing wall structure, the panel comprising: a front of wood based material, the front having perforations;   an unperforated back;   separating means between the front and the back to define a space between the front and the back and to maintain the front and back in generally parallel relationship to one another;   sound absorbing material in engagement with the front within said space and covering the perforations and spaced from the back whereby the panel absorbs sound directed at the perforated front of the panel by absorption in the material of the front as well as in the sound absorbing material and an air gap is formed between the back and sound absorbing material.   
     
     
       2. A panel as claimed in claim 1 in which the front is of plywood. 
     
     
       3. A panel as claimed in claim 1 in which the separating means comprises wood strips. 
     
     
       4. A panel as claimed in claim 1 in which the front and rear are of plywood and the separating means is of wood strips. 
     
     
       5. A panel as claimed in claim 4 in which the sound absorbing material fills only a portion of the space leaving a gap between the sound absorbing material and the back. 
     
     
       6. The sound absorbing panel of claim 1, wherein a multiplicity of panels thereof is connected to form a sound absorbing wall structure wherein adjacent panels sections are connected together by a plurality of upright posts between panel sections and wherein said panel sections comprise at least one panel. 
     
     
       7. The sound absorbing panel of claim 1, wherein a multiplicity of panels thereof is connected to form a sound absorbing wall structure, wherein adjacent panel sections are connected together by a plurality of upright posts between panel sections wherein said panel sections comprise at least one panel wherein each post comprises distinct and separate front and rear post portions being symmetrical and complimentary, said portions integrally connected, when in use, by a separate web structure of alternate posturing for connection thereto, the sound absorbing wall sections being secured between said front and rear post portions integrally with said web means. 
     
     
       8. The structure of claim 6 wherein the posts are constructed of wood with adjacent sound absorbing sections attached to corresponding posts at their ends, with the posts located laterally between those sections' ends. 
     
     
       9. The structure of claim 6, wherein each post comprises a front portion, a rear portion and a web between these portions, each of the portions and web being separate distinct portions for being secured in the ground and for connection to one another; and each of the front and rear portions securing the panels of the sound absorbing wall therebetween. 
     
     
       10. The structure of claim 9, wherein each web comprises a length of material carrying flanges directed outwardly at generally 90° from the web at each end, to which flanges the front and rear portions are connected. 
     
     
       11. The posts of claim 10, wherein each flange extends in an opposite direction. 
     
     
       12. The posts of claim 9, wherein each of the front and rear portions have a top hat cross-section. 
     
     
       13. The posts of claim 10, wherein each of the front and rear portions have a top hat cross-section. 
     
     
       14. The posts of claim 11, wherein each of the front and rear portions have a top hat cross-section. 
     
     
       15. The posts of claim 11, wherein the webs are shorter than the front and rear portions. 
     
     
       16. The posts of claim 14, wherein the webs are shorter than the front and rear portions.